Nasal Sprays and Strips

– A stuffy, runny, itchy nose can make it hard to concentrate at home and on the job. It makes it even harder to sleep at night! If you have nasal symptoms due to cold or seasonal allergies, nasal sprays and strips may be able to provide temporary relief, so you can focus on other things. Some products offer multi-symptom relief for up to 24 hours. Best of all, these products are available without a prescription. Browse our selection of nasal sprays and strips at drugstore.com.
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How Do Nasal Sprays Work?

When your nose is stuffy, you may be searching for fast and effective relief. Nasal sprays formulated with a nasal decongestant like phenylephrine hydrochloride or oxymetazoline hydrochloride may help to relieve stuffiness quickly. The nasal decongestants in these sprays open up swollen nasal passages and relieve swelling so you can breathe more freely. Nasal decongestant sprays for severe congestion offer up to 12 hours of relief from stuffiness due to colds or allergies. Always use as directed and for no more than three days. Using them longer can worsen nasal stuffiness.

What Do Saline Sprays Do?

Saline nasal mists help clear mucous and debris from your nasal passages so you can breathe through your nose again. Saline nasal sprays and mists are ideal when you want a non-medicated approach to relieving nasal stuffiness and irritation. The saline solution in these mists and sprays helps cleanse and moisten dry, irritated nasal passages to make them feel more comfortable. Plus, these sprays and mists are generally considered safe for the whole family.

Saline nasal gels are also available. Some contain ingredients like aloe vera that gently moisturize dry nasal passages. Saline nasal products also relieve nasal dryness that comes from dry air, mouth breathing and CPAP usage. Keep some with you when you travel to relieve nasal dryness on airplanes and in dry hotel rooms.

Do Nasal Strips Work?

Tired of breathing through your mouth? Nasal strips are another drug-free approach to addressing nasal congestion. These strips attach to your nose with a special adhesive that holds it in place. As you breathe, the strip gently lifts your nasal passages open so air can move more freely into your nose. You can place one on at night for more peaceful sleep when you're congested or use one when you work out. They are considered safe for children over the age of 5.

Are There Natural Decongestants?

Homeopathic products are available for nasal and sinus care. These products target nasal irritation, sinus pressure and stuffiness with natural, drug-free ingredients that won't interact with prescription medications.

Nasal Care For Babies

The skin around a baby's nose can become dry and cracked due to colds, allergies, chronic sinus problems and dry air. Relief is available in the form of a soothing nasal moisturizer with aloe vera made especially for a baby's delicate skin. You can apply some on the skin around the nose to help ease dryness and discomfort.

Is Nasal Spray Safe?

If you have high blood pressure, an enlarged prostate, thyroid disease, heart problems or are taking other medications, talk to your medical doctor before using a nasal spray. Your doctor or health care provider can help you select the one that's right for you.